Hunters beware! Do you recognize poison ivy in its winter undress? The pictures above show, from left to right:
• poison ivy vines in March;
• a close-up of the aerial roots that give the vines a hairy appearance;
• the same vines in June, with poison ivy in full bloom.

Although these vines are on a storage shed, they climb trees the same way. Be sure the tree you select for your tree stand or backrest isn’t festooned with poison ivy vines. If you bruise the vines, the potent, irritating resin is released.

Remember: it’s always “open season” for poison ivy. If you hunt in poison ivy country, be prepared - take Oral Ivy™.